Pages

Friday, August 8, 2014

Alabama concludes first week of preseason camp

With the initial week of preseason camp in the books, here are some news and notes from the week that was. In typical fashion, as is the case for most teams, the Crimson Tide has had some impressive performances as well as a series of bumps and bruises.

General observations

For the most part, things are essentially as predictable as they were during the course of spring camp, which is a positive, all things considered. Nothing has really stood out as a major problematic issue in terms of player development or drastic experimental position changes.

-Blake Sims and Jacob Coker, as expected, are in a battle for the top spot at the quarterback position. Thus far, by all accounts, both men have had a solid preseason camp.

-Nick Saban seems to be very high on the Alabama receiving unit, especially the younger guys. Saban, during media obligations, has mentioned the likes of Chris Black, Robert Foster, and ArDarius Stewart.

Saban: Robert Foster, Chris Black an ArDarius Stewart all having good camps
— Tide 99.1 (@Tide991fm) August 7, 2014

-In case you're not aware, offensive lineman Cameron Robinson is a mountain. An early enrollee, Robinson has continued to pick up where he left off in spring camp in terms of learning his position across the offensive front. All signs point to Robinson starting in the Tide's season opener.

-As of publication time, linebacker Tim Williams is the only suspended player who has yet to hit the practice field. Thursday marked the first practice session for nose guard Brandon Ivory and defensive tackle Jarran Reed, who were each suspended prior to the start of preseason camp.

-The Crimson Tide will have a closed scrimmage Saturday afternoon at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Earlier this week, Nick Saban noted that Alabama's first scrimmage will be more of a situational outing rather than an exhibition.

-Linebacker Denzel Devall did not participate in individual drills during either practice session on Friday during the media viewing periods. While Devall was not wearing a black non-contact jersey, the reason he was not active remains a mystery. Nick Saban will likely address the situation following Saturday's scrimmage.

-Defensive end A'Shawn Robinson has missed the latter half of the week due to a sprained knee which has been reported as an MCL issue. While Nick Saban has said the injury will not require surgery, Robinson while likely miss the next several Tide practice sessions.

-Offensive lineman Leon Brown, who missed the first week of preseason camp due to a foot injury, will likely be on the shelf for a few more days. Nick Saban says Brown is getting better, but he's not ready for football activities at this time.

Saban: Leon Brown is probably still a week away from being able to play.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) August 7, 2014

-Defensive lineman O.J. Smith, a February signee, will miss the 2014 season due to a shoulder ailment that will require surgery. Earlier this week, Nick Saban confirmed that Smith arrived at Alabama with a shoulder injury.

Saban: OJ Smith arrived with shoulder injury, will go ahead and have surgery. Out for the year.
— Christopher Walsh (@CrimsonWalsh) August 7, 2014

Coming soon

Next week will be dedicated to unit-by-unit position breakdowns. Stay tuned.